Cultural Differences And Similarities Between America And Indonesia 2hh2p

Cultural Differences and Similarities between America and Indonesia •

Cultural Differences between America and Indonesia The development of the culture of the United States of America has been marked by a tension between two strong sources of inspiration: European sophistication and domestic originality. American music is heard all over the world. This is in very stark contrast to the early days of the American republic, when the country was generally seen as an agricultural backwater with little to offer the culturally advanced world centers of Europe and Asia. At the beginning of the third century, nearly every major American city offers classical and popular music; historical, scientific and art research centers and museums; dance performances, musicals and plays; outdoor art projects and internationally significant architecture. This development is a result of both contributions by private philanthropists and government funding. Indonesian culture has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Indonesia is central along ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam, all strong in the major trading cities. The result is a complex cultural mixture very different from the original indigenous cultures. Examples of cultural fusion include the fusion of Islam with Hindu in Javanese Abangan belief, the fusion of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism in Bodha, and the fusion of Hinduism and animism in Kaharingan; others could be cited. Indonesian art-forms express this cultural mix. Wayang, traditional theaterperformed puppet shows, were a medium in the spread of Hinduism and Islam amongst Javan villagers. Both Javanese and Balinese dances have stories about ancient Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms, while Islamic art forms and architecture are present in Sumatra, especially in the Minangkabau and Aceh regions. Traditional art, music and sport are combined in a martial art form called Pencak Silat. Western culture has influenced Indonesia most in modern entertainment such as television shows, movies and songs. India has notably influenced Indonesian songs and movies. A popular type of song is the Indian-rhythmical dangdut, which is often mixed with Arab and Malay folk music.

Despite the influences of foreign culture, some remote Indonesian regions still preserve uniquely indigenous culture. Indigenous ethnic groups of Mentawai, Asmat, Dani, Dayak, Toraja and many others are still practicing their ethnic rituals, customs and wearing traditional clothes. Glenn: In my opinion, Indonesian culture is more complex than American culture. Indonesian culture is a complete mixture of original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Even Western culture which refers to American culture has influenced Indonesia too. On the other hand, American culture is based on two strong sources of inspiration: European sophistication and domestic originality.

Aldo: My opinion about the differences is that Indonesia has many islands in there. It causes Indonesia to have a lot of tribes and that became in the past. Also there are many cultures of them, actually in habit. In the other hand, America has many different habits, such as many people in America are free in doing anything because their ideologies are liberal.

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Cultural Similarities between America and Indonesia Using global measures, most studies have shown that Americans were more assertive than Indonesian. Adopting a situational approach, three studies were conducted to examine situational differences and similarities in request rejection, and its underlying mechanisms for Americans and Indonesian. Results revealed that (a) Americans were more likely to reject requests of moderate legitimacy than Indonesian; (b) both cultural groups were similar in request rejection in high- and low-legitimacy situations; (c) both cultural groups were more likely to reject a request when considering their needs and rights, but less likely to reject a request when considering their relationship with the requester; and (d) the self-model of request rejection was more salient for Americans but the relational model of request rejection was more salient for Indonesian in moderate-legitimacy situations.

Glenn: In my opinion, it’s true that Americans were more assertive than Indonesian. In the United States of America, people usually shake hands with a solid and firm grip, unlike in Indonesia where people usually shake hands with a soft and gentle grip. Most of Indonesian people are polite, especially Javanese people. Javanese people always show their politeness everywhere and every time. But, the most important thing is that American people and Indonesian people are both like to socialize.

Aldo: In my opinion, it’s true that Indonesian people and Americans are friendly. In fact, many companies in America still cooperate with Indonesian companies.

Name: Agustinus R. J (1213008044) Glenn N. K (1213008046)